DEDICATION OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH

Under the date of Aug. 16, the same paper described in great detail the ceremonies of the dedication.


“DEDICATION OF ST. MARY’S CHURCH”

Yesterday marked an important occurrence among the catholics of this city and vicinity in the solemn dedication of St. Mary’s Church in the fifth ward. The day was one particularly appropriate to the joyous event and not only by reason of the delightful weather, nature being attractive in a degree quite unsurpassed, but also on account of the great religious event which the catholics the world over commemorated: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. It was indeed a beautiful determination, that the church here named in token of love of Mary should be dedicated to holy service on the day set apart by the Catholic World for her special honor. Early in the morning services were held in the other churches of the city at which the attendance was large but it was evident to all observers that the solemn and imposing ceremonies to take place at St. Mary’s Church attracted unusual attention and caused earnest anxiety on the part of all present.

As early as 9 o’clock the various Catholic Societies began to make their appearance on the street in the vicinity of their respective halls clad in their society regalia of green and gold. They collected in large numbers and soon moved up Main Street to Third where the procession formed under the direction of Grand Marshall Michael Cook. About this time invited organizations from Watkins, Waverly and Horseheads arrived at the depot arrayed in full regalia where they were met by the Emmet Band, the St. Mary’s Society and the President of the Catholic Societies of Elmira and escorted to the place where the societies were formed and awarded their places in line.

Promptly at half-past nine at the word of command of the Grand Marshall the procession began to move down Main Street headed by the excellent and well trained Emmet Band who along the line discoursed sweet and strong music.

The St. Mary’s Temperance Association Society of Watkins, under James Powers president occupied the first position in the ranks and presented a fine appearance having upwards of seventy men in line. The Catholic Temperance Society of Waverly came next, making, as was to be expected a creditable showing for their young and surprisingly prosperous and successful organization. P.G. Masterson, Esq., is the efficient president and they had about sixty men in line.

The Horseheads Society occupied the next position in the procession and though but recently organized, turned out in such large numbers as to make an impression among the bystanders quite complimentary to its president Rick Donovan. Following came the many Catholic Societies of this city, the oldest being first, and the remainder taking positions according to the date of their organization. The S.S. Peter and Paul’s Benevolent Society looked exceedingly well turning out in large numbers, and the Rev. Fr. Matthew T.A. Society was noticeably prominent both in point of numerical strength and attractiveness of regalia. The CYMB and TA pleased everybody, their handsome carriages and fine appearance winning the approving smiles and glances of the pretty damsels along the route. The fine appearance of St. Patrick’s Society entitles that organization to much credit and the St. Mary’s T.A. Society attached to the church that was dedicated, cannot be too highly complimented. The Catholic Knights of Temperance occupying the last place in the procession made an effect upon the bystanders, attracting along the march intense interest.

Each of the societies received approving and encomiastic remarks from all along the line of march which was down Main Street, across the bridge and up South Main Street to Franklin and up Franklin to the church. Every Society participating in the parade then entered the church, its members taking the seats reserved for them on either side of the center aisle. Immediately after the societies had become seated and the Sacred and Soul inspiring ceremonies commenced, the church being fairly crowded with devout and reverential worshipers. The Very Rev. Bishop Ryan of Buffalo, preceded by several acolytes, neatly dressed in black and white, and all the attending clergymen robed in white then came from the Sacristy and knelt before the Altar. Then a prayer was devoutly offered, at the conclusion of which the Bishop and Clergy in solemn procession went to the outside of the Church which was sprinkled with Holy Water by Bishop Ryan. Returning to the inside the Bishop and the Clergy again knelt before the Altar and chanted the beautiful service prescribed by the Catholic Church after which they moved through the several aisles chanting and singing as they went, when the interior was also blessed by the Bishop. At the conclusion of the dedicatory ceremonies which were strikingly beautiful and impressive, even to those not of the Catholic faith, a solemn Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by Bishop Ryan which impressed all with its beauty and grandeur, while it awakened feelings of intense admiration for the glorious religion in the hearts of the many faithful and devout Catholics.

The Bishop was assisted in the Mass by the Very Rev. William Gleeson, assistant priest, Fathers Colgan, and Cunningham, Deacons of Honor Fr. Liddy, Deacon and Father Bloomer Subdeacon. It was throughout, impressive in a great degree from the high station in the church of the pious celebrant and the gorgeous robes and vestments of the assisting clergy. The Altar presented a scene of surpassing beauty, being charmingly and artistically decorated and ornamented with the choicest floral gifts while the costly Altar furniture, to be used permanently in the church, attracted the admiring attention of every observer.

The sermon by the Rev. Father Rice, president of the Academy of Our Lady Of The Angels at Suspension Bridge, was an unusually interesting one, claiming during its delivery the closest attention. We had attempted to give a complete report of the entire sermon but we were so fully entranced by the efforts, that it became impossible to take satisfactory or sufficient notes.

It was eminently eloquent, powerful and convincing and was listened to with scrupulous attention by everyone present. One rarely has the opportunity of listening to one of equal merit from prelates of such abilities. It was an effort, Christian throughout in its character, and must have met hearty praise even from the most critical. At the conclusion of the sermon, the remainder of the mass was celebrated.

The music for the occasion was in charge of the competent and accomplished church organist, Mrs. Ann Sheehy and was finally and expressively welcomed by the choir, which is composed as follows: Messrs. Callahan, Maloney, O’Brien and the Misses O’Brien, Dempsey, Murphy, Kane, assisted by Miss Ryan and Mrs. McDonough of Geneva, N.Y.

They sang Mullard’s famous “Mass in G,” in an exceptional manner. Many of the beautiful solos with which the mass abounds were truthfully rendered while the offertory by Miss Ryan and Mrs. McDenough was expressive in a high degree. Much to the regret of the public the choir was obliged to content themselves with a cabinet organ, the fine instrument, in the process of building, being not sufficiently ready to allow its use.

The vespers at four in the afternoon were said and were as interesting as the ceremonies of the morning. About 120 children were confirmed by the Bishop. All of the young girls were neatly dressed in spotless white, while veils hung from the heads of each, crowned with a beautiful wreath. The altar was brilliant with lighted tapers and the church within presented a trully [sic] beautiful and gladsome aspect. After administering the rite of confirmation, Bishop Ryan addressed the children with a few words of earnest congratulation and afterwards addressed the congregation at considerable length.

The church that was dedicated yesterday was a noticeable structure situated on the corner of Franklin and Fulton Streets in the fifth ward. It will be remarked by the observer for its economical plainness and general beauty of architectural appearance together with its apparent careful and substantial construction. In external appearance it is plain but imposing. It is constructed of brick, tastefully ornamented with stone and is chiefly from a Gothic design. The brick work was all done by Patrick Murray and the roofing by Messrs. Daniels & Smith, and the completeness and evident strength and durability of the work of each reflects on them no small amount of credit. The roof is slated. Fronting on Franklin Street, there are two large towers, each sixty feet in height which add a great deal to the handsome appearance of the church front. These towers will be completed next year by the addition of a steeple to each. There are three broad entrances to the church from Franklin Street, which afford ample accommodation for the ingress and egress. Through not wholly completed, the outside of the church is both pleasing an imposing to a large degree.

The interior of the church of all is the most attractive. The fresco work is strikingly beautiful and remarkable for the pleasant and exquisite blending of colors. The whole work is finished and elegant. There is nothing superior to it in this city. All of the designs are of notable beauty and symmetry, while the colors are of that peculiar cast which makes the church appear cheerful. The walls around the altar are finished in a style that can only be approached, certainly not excelled. The ceiling represents the vault of heaven with its beautiful blue, variegated with a delicate green tinge from which myriad stars glitteringly twinkle. Just beneath, artistically delineated in old English lettering, are several beautiful religious models. The fresco work was done by Henry Allevelt of Syracuse, an artist of cultivated taste and large experience, he having frescoed two hundred churches in New York alone, besides many churches in adjoining states.

The main altar is also beautiful in its general appearance and is ornamented in a style in keeping with the surpassing beauties of the other surroundings. On each side of the church are small altars finally finished, on either side of which besides the usual neat furniture are splendid statues of Mary and Joseph.

The windows, which are of stained glass, are also beautiful in their appearance. They were manufactured and put in place by Fredericks and Steffin of Detroit and their colors are of such a character as to give additional beauty and cheerfulness to the church within. All the windows were gifts of individuals on each of which the giver’s name is inscribed. The two handsomest, situated behind the main altar, were donated by the St. Mary T. A. and B. Society and the St. Mary’s Scapular Society. The remaining were contributed by James McCadden, Mr. Cook, P.J. O’Brien, Michael Casey, Con. Connelly, John Callahan, Michael Mulcahey, Michael Moore, Humphrey O’Brien and Many McCadem and on in memory of Ella Keating.

The woodwork of the church is also handsome. The wainscoting is of Southern oak and the pews are constructed of ash and walnut. The altars, as before remarked, are neatly designed. The main altar in the sanctuary is nicely made and beautifully decorated.

The church is exceedingly large and is probably the largest of any in the city. It is 135 feet in length by 60 feet in width. The distance to the ceiling is about 45 feet.

In connection with the dedication, it may be well to state that the church was twice rebuilt. In December, 1874, as most of our readers will remember, the entire church was blown over, when nearly covered over, by a violent gale of wind. The loss by this fall, which was almost equal to the utter destruction was upwards of $10,000. Soon after this accident, which was enough to dishearten even the most sanguine and determined, Father McManus, with an energy that deserves the highest praise commenced the work of reconstruction. His people seemed discouraged, but nevertheless, he persevered and progressed and the magnificent edifice yesterday dedicated is the noble and monumental result of his tireless labors. The present structure, no considering the losses sustained, will cost, when completed, about $25,000, on which at present there is but a trifling debt. We doubt if ever such a fine showing was made by any clergyman within our observation for many years. The church stands now a magnificent and permanent monument silently giving its tribute of praise to one of the finest and ablest clergymen with which the Catholic public of this city has been blessed for many years.

Besides the construction of this new church, Fr. McManus has erected and paid for a splendid pastoral residence. A large temporary church has also been built which stands behind the new building in which, during the past three years, service has been held. This will now be vacated and will be used for a school house.

The total cost of all this work will amount to upwards of $40,000.00 of which $30,000.00 has been contributed by the people of St. Mary’s parish during the three years just past.

There were an unusual number of clergy from this and other dioceses in attendance among whom we noticed Vicar General Gleeson, Fathers McManus, of Scranton, Colgan of Corning, Kinsella of Wellsville, Quinn of Binghamton, Liddy of Watkins, Rice of Suspension Bridge, Cunningham, Bloomer, and Fr. McManus the pastors of the churches of this city, besides many others. Besides the clergy there were many gentlemen from New York, including Alexander Patton, president of the Metropolitan Catholic T. A. Union of New York, and James W. O’Brien, Secretary of the Catholic T.A. Union of America.

After the services of the dedication were brought to a close, the ladies of St. Mary’s Church served a sumptuous dinner in the building adjoining the new church, which was partaken of by the Catholic Societies of Watkins and Waverly and their friends who accompanied them. The visitors seemed to be quite pleased at the manner in which they were treated, and many were the thanks which the fair ladies who pleasingly waited on them received.

In concluding it is but fitting to note that the day was one of great interest of the Catholics of this city. It will mark a notable event in the progressive history of religion in Elmira. A splendid church so solemnly dedicated is a credit to the place and a monument to the noble pastor, Fr. McManus, who has shown rare judgment in the construction of the edifice. His cultivated taste is everywhere apparent, and particularly so in the painting above and behind the Altar, which is one famous in art, being a copy of a celebrated Bavarian work. The Stations of the Cross, fourteen in number are also from the same artist. They add largely to the beauty of the church which is second to none in Southern New York.